SPFHS-2026-33 - State Park Police Officer

About the role

Under the direction of a State Park Police Sergeant or other higher level law enforcement officer in New Jersey State Park Police, State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites Program, or New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, during an assigned tour of duty, performs public assistance and resource protection; functions as a sworn law enforcement officer for State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites and other Department lands and facilities as needed; acts as liaison with the public; enforces laws and regulations for the protection and management of the health and safety of people and natural and historical resources, as well as environmental enforcement activities within the Department of Environmental Protection; executes all processes for violations within the State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites’ jurisdiction; effectuates arrests and issues summons; authorized to serve warrants; exercises all the powers and duties conferred by law while conducting regular tour of duty; educates and informs the public, through a working knowledge of forest, wildlife, habitat and watershed management practices, regarding the rules, regulations, laws and management practices of State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites and to enhance environmental awareness and stewardship; provides security services for people, water, land, and structures under the guidelines for Homeland Security; does other related duties as required.

Responsibilities

• Enforces laws of the State of New Jersey, Homeland Security and the Federal government, and to protect visitors and natural, historical and physical resources.
• Patrols designated State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites and Natural Land Trusts lands and/or facilities by various means, which may include on foot, motor vehicle, mountain bicycle, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), snowmobiles, or watercraft to increase patrol visibility, prevent crime, ensure proper use of the area and protect the resources from illegal activity.
• Successfully complete police academy training and obtain a PTC certificate.
• CPR/AED certified and pass bi-annual firearms requalification.
• Adhere to and apply departmental SOPs, DEP policies and procedures and Attorney General guidelines.

Requirements

• Education: Graduation from high school or vocational school, or possession of an approved high school equivalency certificate.
• Citizenship: Must be a citizen of the United States of America.
• Age: Applicants must be 18 years of age or older at the announced closing date.
• Training: Appointees must successfully complete a Basic Police Training Course certified by the Police Training Commission (PTC).
• License: Appointees must possess a driver's license valid for use in the State of New Jersey. May be required to possess other operator's licenses as needed, which may include a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and/or a Motorboat Operator's License.
• Medical and Psychological Examination: Appointees certified from an open-competitive eligible list for this title will be required to pass a thorough medical and psychological examination administered by a qualified representative of the appointing authority.

Qualifications

• Veteran's Preference: To qualify for New Jersey Veteran's Preference/status, you must establish Veteran's Preference through the Department of Military and Veteran's Affairs. Please submit proof of your Veteran's Preference along with your resume as indicated.
• Residency: All persons newly hired on or after September 1, 2011, have one year from the date of employment to establish, and then maintain principal residence in the State of New Jersey subject to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L.2011, Chapter 70), also known as the “New Jersey First Act”.

Skills

• Established law enforcement procedures and techniques.
• Patrols designated State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites and Natural Land Trusts lands and/or facilities by various means.
• Successfully complete police academy training and obtain a PTC certificate.
• CPR/AED certified and pass bi-annual firearms requalification.
• Adhere to and apply departmental SOPs, DEP policies and procedures and Attorney General guidelines.

Benefits

• Paid Benefit Leave
• Holiday Pay
• Alternative Workweek Program
• Telework
• Pension
• Deferred Compensation
• Health Benefits (medical, prescription drug, dental & vision care)
• Life Insurance
• Flexible and Health Spending Accounts (FSA/HSA)
• Commuter Tax Savings Program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Tuition Reimbursement

Pay

(FA17) $71,668.13 (Non-Negotiable)

Schedule

40 (40-hour) Work Week